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This year, 1440p is gradually taking the place of 1080p as the default gaming resolution, and it is not hard to understand any reason that they are getting so famous – they give an unmistakable graphics enhancement while being very much less demanding on the hardware when compared to 4K that seems to be.
All things considered, in case you have a new GPU in the mid range, your PC sounds unquestionably QHD-ready. What’s more, in case you are considering making the jump to 1440p from 1080p, the ideal time is now!
Here, in this post, we have put together some of the most excellent 1440p gaming monitors that you may want to own this year, talking about their upsides and downsides.
Without any fuss or delay, let’s dig into them right below.
List of best 1440p gaming monitors – in case you are busy
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AOC CQ27G1 27″ Curved Frameless Gaming Monitor – by AOC
1. About the monitor
We have a pretty excellent solution from AOC – the CQ27G1. The construction is exquisite, including a sleek matte black exterior that subtle yet incredible red highlights complement. All together, they make for a great-looking monitor. Oh – obviously, you are not purchasing a model for its outside construction, and it is the functionality that truly makes this one stand out among the crowd.
2. Key features
The display – We are taking a look at a monitor at 27 inches; however, this one gets curved and utilizes a VA panel. In other words, this is an extra well-rounded monitor which delivers great hues, incredible contrast, and better-than-average angles of viewing.
Also, the model, as well, is a 144 Hz one yet with the four-ms response time. Luckily, its motion blur reduction is useful in this light, in case the native response time is excessively slow to you.
Ports – The monitor is somewhat modest when it comes to connectivity since it just comes with one DisplayPort 1.2 input and one HDMI 2.0 port, aside from the typical headphone jack.
Extra highlights
- AMD FreeSync – Here, you have a monitor with FreeSync. Also, it is accessible in the Hz range from 48 to 144, which should be pretty adequate for this sort of monitor.
- Adjustable stand – You may like that you can adjust the stock stand, which ships with this model for tilt, height, as well as swivel; however, pivot adjustment is not available.
- VESA support – The product is perfect with VESA mounts at 100 × 100.
3. Drawbacks
A couple of ghosting issues – High response times and ghosting are among the big problems with VA panels, and in case you do not know, the latter appears to be increasingly prominent when it comes to this AOC CQ27G1. You are probably going to see some ghosting, particularly in darker scenes.
4. Key specifications
- VESA Compatibility: 100 × 100
- Ports: 1x HDMI 2.0
- 1x DisplayPort 1.2
- 1x 3.5mm audio jack
- Speakers: N/A
- Adaptive Sync: AMD FreeSync
- Response Time: 4 ms
- Refresh Rate: 144 Hz
- Contrast: 3000 : 1
- Brightness: 250 cd/ m2
- Panel Type: VA
- Resolution: 2560 × 1440
- Aspect Ratio: 16 : 9
- Screen Size: 27 inches
5. The bottom line
Taking everything into account, the CQ27G1 from AOC is perhaps one of the most reasonably priced 1440p gaming monitors in the market these days. Obviously, it is not flawless, and some of the other models in this classification have something that the AOC needs. Still, at the end of the day, it is this monitor that has the outstanding combination of attributes that you would desire in a favorably priced model: a high refresh rate, great viewing angles, incredible contrast, and solid hues.
In all actuality, the native response time is somewhat high. Also, you may not like certain ghosting, yet it is nothing that cannot be managed, particularly with the utilization of backlight strobing. On top of that, at its present point of price, the AOC model is a real steal, and it will undoubtedly be the ideal monitor for just about any gamers in need of 1440p on a careful spending plan.
What you may like:
- Awesome value
- Curved screen
- Good contrast and great hues
What you may not like:
- Some noticeable ghosting
LG 27GL850-B 27 Inch Ultragear QHD Nano IPS 1ms NVIDIA G-Sync Compatible Gaming Monitor – by LG
1. About the monitor
What is next to consider? We have a fantastic LG monitor, 27GL850. Most definitely, in terms of the design, it does not contrast much from the LG 32GK650F-B. But be that as it may, it is an altogether different story on the inside.
2. Key features
The display – This monitor at 27 inches utilizes an incredible IPS panel with HDR abilities, and it is a monitor for gaming totally. In addition to the fact that it affords the sort of shading exactness and the viewing angles that you may expect of this specific innovation, it is surprisingly responsive too. Even better, the model is effectively one of the most responsive IPS monitors accessible right now.
Ports – The product features one DisplayPort 1.4 input, two HDMI 2.0 ports. That is not all; there is the required headphone jack aside from a hub of USB with two USB 3.0 ports.
Extra highlights
- AMD FreeSync – Pretty disappointingly, the model just features regular FreeSync that functions in the range of 48 – 144 Hz over DisplayPort as well as in the range of 48 – 100 Hz over HDMI. One thing to note, we state “disappointingly” as we would have wanted to see an HDR monitor’s FreeSync. Moreover, you will notice that there is a G-Sync sticker on the monitor’s front, yet it is anything but a G-Sync monitor. In other words, it is essentially a FreeSync one affirmed as perfect with Nvidia GPUs.
- HDR – This LG 27GL850 supports HDR, which tends to be a desired addition to the list of capabilities of any monitor.
- Adjustable stand – This LG has a completely adjustable stand. It looks great, and you have the option to adjust it for tilt, height, as well as a pivot; however, no swivel adjustment is available.
- VESA support – The monitor is good with VESA mounts at 100 × 100.
3. Drawbacks
Helpless contrast and black uniformity – We chance upon the poor aspect of IPS panels, backlight bleed, and helpless contrast. The contrast itself is not really great, and add to it the average black uniformity and the backlight bleed that seems unavoidable around the edges. And unmistakably, you should either switch on the light or turn down the brightness of the monitor in the event that you desire to have a fantastic experience, particularly during dark scenes.
Superficial HDR – As you know, HDR is increasingly common, but at times it feels futile. To be specific, the brightness and the contrast of the model do not enable any terrific HDR effect. The product additionally lacks FreeSync 2; that is why you cannot leverage HDR and adaptive sync in tandem.
4. Key specifications
- VESA Compatibility: 100×100
- Ports: 2x HDMI 2.0
- 1x DisplayPort 1.4
- 1x 3.5mm audio jack
- 2x USB 3.0
- Speakers: N/A
- Adaptive Sync: AMD FreeSync
- Response Time: 4 ms
- Refresh Rate: 144 Hz
- Contrast: 1000 : 1
- Brightness: 350 cd/ m2
- Panel Type: IPS
- Resolution: 2560 × 1440
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Screen Size: 27 inches
5. The bottom line
All in all, this LG is effectively probably one of the best IPS gaming monitors out there today, 1440p or something else. It is surprisingly responsive and can accomplish one-ms response times with suitable settings, accordingly being on par with the TN panel’s performance and, at the same time, having all the IPS’ advantages in the visuals department.
Yet, as referenced above, HDR was, to some degree, awkwardly executed, particularly thinking about the absence of FreeSync 2. Also, there are problems related to contrast and black consistency. With that being said, in case you can move beyond those deficiencies, you will be owning an IPS gaming monitor which is unquestionably worth the cost.
What you may like:
- G-Sync compatible FreeSync monitor
- Great color reproduction
- Phenomenal response time for an IPS panel
What you may not like:
- Disappointing black uniformity
- Subpar contrast
- HDR without FreeSync 2
AOC Q3279VWFD8 31.5″ QHD 2560×1440 Monitor – by AOC
1. About the monitor
Here, we get the Q3279VWFD8, a somewhat different model from AOC. Most eminently, it comes with a big screen that is a stunning 32 inches. The brand additionally kept the construction clean and straightforward with this product unit, and it has, to some degree, stout bezels and the rectangular stand, which makes for a general unnoticeable exterior generally not standing out in any setting.
2. Key features
The display – This model utilizes a decent IPS panel that is a somewhat solid match for its screen at 32 inches. When it comes to the visuals and the performance, it has excellent hues and viewing angles, apart from a 75 Hz refresh rate as well as a marginally higher five-ms response time.
Ports – The device has one DisplayPort 1.2 input, one HDMI 1.4 port, in addition to a VGA cum a Dual-Link DVI-D connector, along with a headphone jack.
Extra highlights
- AMD FreeSync – The product supports FreeSync in the range from 48 Hz to 75 Hz, which is somewhat restricted for a monitor at 75 Hz.
- Customizable stand – You can adjust the basic stand for tilt.
3. Drawbacks
Limited FreeSync range – FreeSync’s implementation is, obviously, warmly welcome, yet we would have favored seeing it accessible in the range from 30 Hz to 75 Hz.
No VESA support – The model is not VESA-perfect, which is a major disadvantage for a monitor this year.
May be somewhat big for a couple of users – Many concur that 27 inches are pretty much the perfect size of the monitor for desktop use. On the one hand, 1440p guarantees acceptable pixel density; on the other hand, a display at 32 inches may be awkward for certain users.
4. Key specifications
- VESA Compatibility: N/A
- Ports: 1x HDMI 1.4
- 1x 3.5mm audio jack
- 1x VGA
- 1x DL-DVI-D
- 1x DisplayPort 1.2
- 1x HDMI 1.4
- Speakers: N/A
- Adaptive Sync: AMD FreeSync
- Response Time: 5 ms
- Refresh Rate: 75 Hz
- Contrast: 1200 : 1
- Brightness: 250 cd/ m2
- Panel Type: IPS
- Resolution: 2560 × 1440
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Screen Size: 32 inches
5. The bottom line
By and large, people who decide to get themselves an extra-big monitor yet would prefer not to wastefully spend their money will surely like this AOC. In every way that really matters, the performance and the hues are great.
What you may like:
- Decent contrast for an IPS panel
- Large screen
- Great colors
What you may not like:
- 32-inch diagonal might be a lot for some
- Narrow FreeSync range
- No VESA compatibility
Asus TUF Gaming VG27BQ 27” Monitor – by ASUS
1. About the monitor
This Asus sheds light on performance; that is where it exceeds expectations. It comes with a recognizable construction recently found in several models from Asus, with a straightforward matte black front, a point-by-point rectangular stand base, plus some attractive angular patterns that assist it with being outstanding as a gaming item.
2. Key features
The display – This 27-inch monitor uses an extremely quick TN panel. All things considered, it would be able to arrive at a refresh rate of 165 Hz and is additionally strikingly responsive, with response times about 0.4 ms estimated in internal tests. Obviously, the viewing angles and the hues are not so incredible; however, they are, in any case, sufficient for a TN panel.
Ports – The Asus model keeps it straightforward in the ports department, with one DisplayPort 1.2 input, two HDMI 2.0 ports, as well as a headphone jack.
Extra highlights
- ELMB sync – another innovation presented by Asus, ELMB (another way to say “Extreme Low Motion Blur”) delivers motion blur reduction and versatile sync, something that tended not to be possible with dynamic refresh rates previously. Nvidia GPUs and AMD alike support it; however, remember that it does not provide all the attributes of G-Sync.
- Customizable stand – It comes without a surprise that the stock stand is exceptionally adjustable, and it does support swivel, height, tilt, and pivot adjustment.
- VESA support – The model supports VESA mounts at 100 × 100.
- Built-in speakers – The product unit likewise has two 2W speakers, which is a helpful attribute to get on the side.
- HDR support – HDR support is something that is not typically found in TN monitors; however, the model throws that in with the general combination.
3. Drawbacks
Disappointing HDR – It is acceptable to find more monitors that support HDR, but it feels somewhat superfluous on account of this model. For your information, this TN panel simply does not have the contrast or the brightness important to truly convey that sentiment of authenticity which is HDR’s sole purpose.
4. Key specifications
- VESA Compatibility: 100 × 100
- Ports: 2x HDMI 2.0
- 1x 3.5mm audio jack
- 1x DisplayPort 1.2
- Speakers: N/A
- Adaptive Sync: ELMB sync
- Response Time: 1 ms
- Refresh Rate: 165 Hz
- Contrast: 1000 : 1
- Brightness: 350 cd/ m2
- Panel Type: TN
- Resolution: 2560 × 1440
- Aspect Ratio: 16 : 9
- Screen Size: 27 inches
5. The bottom line
In light of the entirety of the abovementioned, obviously this Asus model is outfitted principally towards performance-focused gamers, and it does its proposed tasks impeccably. The device is incredibly quick, responsive and the brand’s new ELMB versatile sync innovation guarantees that you can have your cake and enjoy it, as well, on account of the dynamic refresh rate/ motion blur reduction combo.
On the drawback, the visuals are not that splendid and the HDR feels like a shallow addition; however, the likelihood is, you will not care that dearly about it in case you are getting this model for the performance, as a great many people will.
What you may like:
- ELMB sync
- Amazingly responsive
- Incredible performance
What you may not like:
- Poor HDR performance
Samsung C27HG70 27″ HDR QLED 144Hz 1ms Curved Gaming Monitor – by SAMSUNG
1. About the monitor
Now, we get to an excellent-quality solution, the C27HG70 from Samsung. Outwardly, it does not appear to be that noteworthy, since it comes with a basic matte exterior that does not actually shout “gaming”. Nonetheless, this curved model has a great deal to deliver when it comes to the display.
2. Key features
The display – The product unit is known as a curved VA monitor; as you may expect from this specific sort of panel, it offers amazing contrast and great hues, along with a refresh rate at 144 Hz and HDR. Obviously, this makes it an extra well-rounded solution to your gaming. .
Ports – The model features a single DisplayPort 1.4 input and two HDMI 2.0 ports. Even better, it comes with a USB hub that includes two USB 3.0 ports; there are also two analog jacks – a mic in and an audio out.
Extra highlights
- AMD FreeSync 2 – This Samsung model has FreeSync 2 support, and how FreeSync 2 is different from standard FreeSync is the additional HDR compatibility. It is accessible in the range from 48 Hz to 144 Hz over DisplayPort; but be that as it may, it is indeed, a smaller range of 48-100 Hz over HDMI.
- Customizable stand – The product comes with an exceptionally flexible, yet rather strange stand. Specifically, the stand utilizes an exceptional dual-hinge construction. On the one hand; you can completely adjust it for swivel, height, tilt, and pivot; one the other hand, the stand occupies more space behind the Samsung monitor as compared to how the normal stand does.
- VESA support – For the situation that you may desire to take the place of the stand for some reason, the C27HG70 model is good with VESA mounts at 100×100.
- HDR – As referenced over, the product is compatible to HDR, and the performance of the HDR is pretty acceptable. In all actuality, it is not that bright when compared to a proper HDR TV, yet in the case of monitors, it handles HDR relatively well.
3. Drawbacks.
A couple of clouding problems – Another issue that numerous VA displays experience is helpless black uniformity because of clouding, and this Samsung product unit is a typical instance of this. In spite of its superb constract, the backlight bleed and the clouding can unfavorably influence the viewing experience, particularly in dim spaces.
Restricted viewing angles – VA panels, in general, have not-too-bad viewing angles; however, this model falls behind in such manner. While its viewing angles are not horrendous, they are not incredible either, and the serious extent of adjustability given by the stand should help compensate for this.
Bulky stand – As we have addressed above, the dual-hinge stand of the product takes up a decent measure of space behind the monitor, and this may represent a possible issue in case your desk is set against the wall.
4. Key specifications
- VESA Compatibility: 100 × 100
- Ports: 2x HDMI 2.0
- 2x USB 3.0
- 2x 3.5mm audio jack
- 1x DisplayPort 1.4
- Speakers: N/A
- Adaptive Sync: AMD FreeSync 2
- Response Time: 4 ms
- Refresh Rate: 144 Hz
- Contrast: 3000 : 1
- Brightness: 350 cd/ m2
- Panel Type: VA
- Resolution: 2560 × 1440
- Aspect Ratio: 16 : 9
- Screen Size: 27 inches
5. The bottom line
Generally speaking, the Samsung model is an incredible QHD gaming monitor which finds some kind of harmony among visuals and execution that is hard to coordinate at such a price point. Both of the contrast and the hues are spot-on; it handles HDR decently, and it is exceptionally responsive. All things considered, in case you can disregard the clouding problems and, possibly, the helpless viewing angles and the abnormal stand, this C27HG70 will undoubtedly be a decent buy.
What you may like:
- HDR support
- Exceptionally flexible stand
- Great performance
- Beautiful curved display
What you may not like:
- The stand occupies a great deal of space
- Narrow viewing angles
- Prominent clouding
All in all: What are the best 1440p gaming monitors of 2020?
Since we have gone over all that, how about we, at the end of the day, have a quick look at our top picks:
- AOC CQ27G1 27″ Curved Frameless Gaming Monitor – by AOC: Check latest price
- LG 27GL850-B 27 Inch Ultragear QHD Nano IPS 1ms NVIDIA G-Sync Compatible Gaming Monitor – by LG: Check latest price
- AOC Q3279VWFD8 31.5″ QHD 2560×1440 Monitor – by AOC: Check latest price
- Asus TUF Gaming VG27BQ 27” Monitor – by ASUS: Check latest price
- Samsung C27HG70 27″ HDR QLED 144Hz 1ms Curved Gaming Monitor – by SAMSUNG: Check latest price
As you may know, new monitors are being introduced constantly, and we will keep you most current about them later on, so make certain to return in case you have not chosen a specific monitor at present. Likewise, in the event that you feel that we have made any errors or missed anything, do not hesitate to tell us in the comments section below, and we will give a valiant effort to fix it as soon as possible.